SF5105

Purpose

Provide state funding to help people who face barriers to work gain skills for jobs in renewable energy and related construction. The money supports training at a Minneapolis-based apprenticeship training center run by Northgate Development LLC, with the goal of expanding access to clean-energy jobs.

Key Provisions

• Amount and source: Appropriates 4,000,000 from Minnesota’s general fund in fiscal year 2027 to the commissioner of employment and economic development for a grant to Northgate Development LLC.
• Primary goal: Train individuals facing barriers to employment in skills needed for work in renewable energy and related construction.
• Training site and use of funds: Funds may be used for building costs and operating expenses at the Regional Apprenticeship Training Center in Minneapolis, including:
  • Instruction costs such as curriculum development and on-the-job training
  • Purchase of equipment and teaching materials
  • Support services for trainees
  • Job placement services
  • Program administration and evaluation of outcomes
• Scope of training (renewable energy and related construction): Includes design, construction, or maintenance of:
  • Systems producing renewable energy from solar, wind, or geothermal sources
  • Energy storage with battery technology
  • Infrastructure for charging all-electric or electric-hybrid vehicles
  • Grid technologies that manage load and provide services to the distribution grid in a way that reduces energy usage or shifts demand to off-peak periods
• Outreach and equity: Training facilities and programs must use targeted outreach to reach residents of underserved communities and individuals facing barriers to employment.

Funding Details

• The grant is a one-time appropriation set for fiscal year 2027.
• The funds are intended to support the operation of a dedicated training facility and related program activities at a specific Minneapolis site.

Target Population and Outreach

• Emphasis on reaching underserved communities and individuals who face barriers to employment.
• Outreach strategies must be used to ensure these groups are aware of and can participate in the training opportunities.

Administration and Oversight

• Administration by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (the commissioner is the grant recipient).
• Includes evaluation of program outcomes to assess effectiveness.

Significance and Changes to Law

• Creates a new funding program (an appropriation) rather than altering existing program rules or statutes.
• Aims to grow Minnesota’s workforce in clean energy and modern infrastructure by linking training to job placement in the renewable energy sector.

Relevant Terms - Northgate Development LLC - Regional Apprenticeship Training Center in Minneapolis - general fund - commissioner of employment and economic development - renewable energy - solar energy - wind energy - Geothermal energy - energy storage with battery technology - infrastructure for charging all-electric or electric-hybrid vehicles - grid technologies - load management - off-peak demand - on-the-job training - curriculum development - equipment and teaching materials - trainee support services - job placement services - program administration - evaluation of program outcomes - underserved communities - barriers to employment